Unpublished MSc thesis, Wiener Schule für Osteopathie, 2006/07, 66, type of study: ,rct,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Free full text   (https://www.osteopathicresearch.org/s/orw/item/3044)

Keywords:

infant [289]
asymmetry [40]
asymmetric babies [1]
pediatrics [573]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3945]
OMT [3924]
randomized controlled trial [947]
WSO [508]

Abstract:

Neurophysiologic techniques are still the state of the art treatment for asymmetric infants in Austria. Three years ago I started to treat this patient group with osteopathy- which proved to be successful.The aim of my thesis was to show the benefits of using osteopathic treatment on asymmetric babies in comparison with the use of neurophysical techniques. At the begin I stated a definition of “asymmetry“, the embryological development of the spine, the birth process, reflexes and the psycho motor development of the child. For all three therapeutical concepts these aspects were of equal importance. A comprehensive introduction of the three concepts followed. The patients of the osteopathic study group were referrals by paediatricians. The patients of the control group were treated by physiotherapists from university clinics. Diagnostic criteria was equal for both groups, a questionnaire for the patients was then developed. Although it was only a small study, nevertheless we arrived at some interesting conclusions: The results for reflexes and their diagnosis were the same for both groups. There were visible changes in both groups after treatment. Improvement of the motor system was witnessed in both groups. With the visceral and the psychic systems very positive changes were found in the group of patients treated by osteopathy, whereas the control group showed less improvement. To sum up, it may be said that each of the three therapeutical concepts is valuable. Thus the ideal therapy for the asymmetric infant would be a therapy based on the neurophysiologic techniques, concomitant with osteopathic treatment.